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Thursday, December 31, 2015

Paper Mill Playhouse is mourning the loss of its beloved Theatre School Founding Director Mickey McNany, who lost her brave battle with cancer on Wednesday morning. Mickey, as she was called by everyone, founded the Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School in 1989 and continued to manage the arts education initiative until recently. Information regarding services and arrangements will be posted on Paper Mill's website (www.papermill.org) when it is available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to "Paper Mill Playhouse Education Fund" or "Peggy's House at Hope Village" in Scotch Plains, New Jersey.Paper Mill Playhouse released a tribute video today in Mickey's honor: www.vimeo.com/148156493.

Over the decades Mickey trained thousands of students throughout the state of New Jersey who would go on to become Broadway stars, Tony Award winners and movie stars including Academy Award-winning actress Anne Hathaway. "Mickey taught from a place of love, always with a smile in her eyes… that was Mickey's gift," Anne Hathaway recently remarked, who studied with Mickey for several years in her youth. "She taught us that this part of ourselves, the part that just had to sing and dance to feel whole, the part that for some of us wasn’t an easy fit in the rest of our lives, was lovable and cherished. She was the leader and constructor of our enchanted playground and she was always smiling."

Paper Mill Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee added, "You will never meet another teacher as beloved as Mickey McNany. She is truly one of those unique individuals you may meet once in your lifetime, if you are lucky enough – and if youare lucky enough to have had her as a teacher or colleague, she will leave an indelible mark on the very core of who you are. I know this because I have seen it happen countless times during my 15-year relationship with her and, in fact, have been transformed by her myself."

Mickey McNany, a resident of Springfield, NJ, was a certified instructor with a BA in Fine Arts Education and a PBM degree in Music Performance from Kean University. Mickey tirelessly devoted herself to Paper Mill Playhouse students for nearly 30 years. She founded the Paper Mill Playhouse Theatre School in 1989 and grew it from a single class to a thriving, year-round enterprise offering classes to over 500 students each year. She oversaw the Junior Division of Paper Mill's esteemed Summer Musical Theatre Conservatory. She was an instructor, a director and the brilliant set designer for Paper Mill’s three student touring companies. In her home garage “scene shop” she transformed cardboard refrigerator boxes into stunning sets as varied as the Darlings' nursery andAladdin’s Agrabah. Recently Mickey’s touring production of Aladdin was showcased on Paper Mill's mainstage.

Inspired by her granddaughter Mary, Mickey had a life-long passion for ensuring that children with disabilities could experience the joy and magic of theater arts. From the start of her Paper Mill tenure, she brought student touring companies to schools and centers for children with disabilities. She started Paper Mill's Creative Drama class for children with disabilities. She collaborated with the Horizon School on the “Lend Your Voice” project, an innovative partnership in which Paper Mill students record voiceovers that enable nonverbal children to realize the characters in their school play. This program was recognized with the Cultural Access Network’s 2013 Innovator Award. Mickey’s other awards include the New Jersey Theatre Alliance 2009 Applause Award for Excellence in Theatre Education, the 2013 New Jersey Governor’s Award for Arts Education, the 2013 VSA New Jersey Education in the Arts Distinguished Service Award, Kean University’s 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award and the Byrne-Kean Arts Advocate Award from Paper Mill Playhouse.

"Mickey’s magic is that she makes every child feel like the most worthwhile person in the room," stated Paper Mill Playhouse Director of Education Lisa Cooney. Because Mickey needed to retire from the classroom last month, a Facebook page was created so that her current and former students have a forum in which to share the impact Mickey has had on their lives. Among the hundreds of inspirational tributes, one student summed it up best when she said:

In a way, I am surprised by the hundreds of people here expressing how much Mickey meant to them. Mickey made me feel special and appreciated; she was a steadfast advocate. How did she have the time, love, and energy to make everyone else feel the same way? I think this is a testament to Mickey's capacity to care, her insight, her passion, and her uncanny ability to make everyone feel appreciated for their own specific skills. She made me feel like a star!

Cooney continued, "Every kid feels like a star when they are in her presence because, to Mickey, every kid, in their own way, is a star. Discovering the inner strength and worth in each individual child and nurturing it until the child feels and believes it himself is the greatest gift a teacher can give to a student. And Mickey has done this thousands and thousands of times. She is an irreplaceable gift to her students and her colleagues, and everyone at Paper Mill Playhouse."

In a recent interview Mickey remarked, “I have had the gift of working for 30 years in a place I adore and has given me the opportunity to meet and work with so many outstanding people. I have seen people transformed through the magic of theater and students who are differently abled rise to their true potential and have so much fun, and it has been glorious. I am surrounded by a loving family and friends and cannot possible ask for anything more out of life. I am living the life out of every day I am given, and I'm so grateful for all the miracles I am noticing every day. Who could ask for anything more? Be assured that I will have my students and Paper Mill family in my heart…Always!”

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The Barn Theatre in Montville, New Jersey continues it’s 88th Season by holding open auditions on Saturday, January 23rd and Sunday, January 24th for it’s upcoming production of “Legally Blond: The Musical”, book by Heather Hach, Music and Lyrics by Lawrence O’Keefe & Neil Benjamin.

Show Description:A fabulously fun international award-winning musical based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical, follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. This action-packed musical explodes on the stage with memorable songs and dynamic dances. Equal parts hilarious and heart-warming warming, this musical is so much fun it should be illegal!Legally Blonde The Musical will take you from the sorority house to the halls of justice with Broadway's brightest new heroine (and of course, her Chihuahua, Bruiser).Based on the adored movie, Legally Blonde The Musical stays true to form with a peppy score and playful book. This musical is ridiculously enjoyable from start to finish.Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside-down, however, when her boyfriend dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law. At school, she struggles with peers, professors, and Warner Huntington. With the help of Paulette and Emmett, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

Preparations:

Please prepare a song (in the style of the show), and bring sheet music in the appropriate key. An accompanist will be provided. Come prepared to dance. Headshots and resumes are not required but gladly received.Cast Requirements:

15 Women 12 MenCharacters:

Elle Woods: The quintessential Valley Girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School and realizes that she has more to offer than just a pretty face and a bubbly personality.Gender: female. Age: 18 to 28Vocal range: G5 to Gb2Emmett Forrest: A smart and sensitive law student who takes Elle under his wing. He is charming, quirky, loveable, and friendly.Gender: male. Age: 20 to 28Vocal range: A4 to B2

Paulette: A brash, caring, optimistic hair stylist who is friends with Elle and longs to find a man for herself.Gender: female. Age: 35 to 45Vocal range: A5 to A3

Professor Callahan: A pompous, sleezy and manipulative law professor at Harvard who is highly successful, but completely immoral.Gender: male. Age: 45 to 55Vocal range: F#4 to A2.

Warner Huntington III: A good-looking but shallow and pompous guy who breaks Elle's heart and heads off to Harvard Law.Gender: male. Age: 20 to 28Vocal range: Ab4 to Eb3.

Vivienne Kensington: A smart, savvy, and uptight law student and Warner's fiancee who initially dismisses Elle, but grows to be her friend.Gender: female. Age: 20 to 28Vocal range: A3 to F5.

Brooke Wyndam: An exercise video mogul who is also a former sorority girl. She is energetic and charismatic, yet currently on trial for murder.Gender: female. Age: 25 to 38Vocal range: A3 to G5

Various others to play Sorority Sisters / Harvard Law Students / Court Personnel / Participants in Work out Video / Patrons and Workers in a Salon / Etc.

Actors are asked to arrive to sign in within the first hour of the auditions start time. All roles are available. Casting is open and newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the production. If interested, please contact info@barntheatre.org.

The Barn Theatre is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville, NJ just minutes off Route 287 (Exit 47). For more information or directions, call 973-334-9320 ext. 5, or visit www.barntheatre.org

The Barn Theatre of Montville, New Jersey will be presenting "One Slight Hitch" written by Lewis Black. Performances will be on January 15,23, 24, 29, 30, February 5 and 6 at 8pm; and on January 16, 17, 24, 31 at 2pm. Tickets are $18 (senior/student tickets are $16 on matinees only).

It’s Courtney’s wedding day and her mom is making sure that everything is perfect. The groom is perfect, the dress is perfect and the decorations (if they arrive) will be perfect. Then, like in any good farce, the doorbell rings and all hell breaks loose. So much for perfect. A surprising comedy from Comedy Central comedian Lewis Black.

The Barn Theatre is located on Skyline Drive in Montville, NJ, just minutes off Exit 47 from Route 287. For more reservations, information or directions, call The Barn Theatre Box Office at (973) 334-9320, or visit The Barn Theatre on the web at www.barntheatre.org

WHEN: Friday, January 8, 8pm; Saturday, January 9, 3pm; Saturday, January 9, 8pm; Sunday, January 10, 3pmWHERE: WESTMINSTER ARTS THEATRE, 449 Franklin Street, Bloomfield, NJ.TICKETS: $20. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2226532The New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts Encore Theatre presents AMERICAN IDIOT! Green Day's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The two-time TONY Award-winning hit musical Green Day's American Idiot, based on the GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum album, boldly takes the American musical where it's never gone before. This high-octane show includes every song from Green Day's album American Idiot, as well as several songs from follow-up release, 21st Century Breakdown. Johnny, Tunny and Will struggle to find meaning in a post-9/11 world. When the three disgruntled men flee the constraints of their hometown for the thrills of city life, their paths are quickly estranged when Tunny enters the armed forces, Will is called back home to a...ttend familial responsibilities, and Johnny's attention becomes divided by a seductive love interest and a hazardous new friendship. A high concept, energy-fueled rock opera with strong messages and an amazing cast.The musical will feature the amazing directing “dream team” from NYC's 20th anniversary production of RENT, Alex Perez and Charles Santoro!The show is directed and choreographed by Alex Perez, Alex is a Member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers).The musical direction is by Charles Santoro (Musical Director/Piano Conductor). Currently, Mr. Santoro teaches, composes, arranges, and orchestrates for an assortment of shows and events in the NJ and NYC area.The American Idiot cast includes Michael Nigro from Cranford, Tyler Moscaritola from Nutley, Thomas Short from Jersey City, Susan Ramirez from Belleville, Nisa Betancourt from Bayonne, Kelly Baron from Milford, Andy Winters from Bayonne, Robert Stevens from Saddle Brook, Jr., Rob Wilson from West Orange, Chris Taramelli from Landing, Xander Fiedler, Jesse Bush from Randolph, Annalise Mendez from Old Bridge, Rachel Spillane from Kearny, Angela Romano from Fairfield, Katerina Farese from Woodland Park, Dani Morris from Wycoff, and Audrey Russelman from Wanaque.Founded in 2004, the New Jersey School of Dramatic Arts (www.njactors.org) in Bloomfield, NJ has provided comprehensive professional acting training for adults, teens and children. More than 3,000 students, some of whom have gone on to pursue professional acting careers, have taken classes at the school since it opened its doors eleven years ago.

We are thrilled to be piloting this brand new adaptation of the beloved children's book series:

Junie B. Jones!

It's Junie B.'s first day of first grade and a lot of things have changed for her: Junie's friend Lucille doesn't want to be her best pal anymore, and on the bus, Junie B. makes friends with Herb, the new kid at school. Also, Junie has trouble reading the blackboard and her teacher Mr. Scary thinks she may need glasses. Throw in a friendly cafeteria lady, a kickball tournament and a "Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal," and first grade has never been more exciting!

Maurer Productions OnStage, the company that brought you the Perry Award winning Elton John and Tim Rices' AIDA, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Drowsy Chaperone, Avenue Q, Spamalot & Shrekis holding open auditions for its upcoming musical production of City of Angels on January 23rd from 9AM to 5PM and January 24th from 12:30PM to 5PM.

City of Angels is a musical comedy with music by Cy Coleman, lyrics by David Zippel, and book by Larry Gelbart. The musical weaves together two plots, the "real" world of a writer trying to turn his book into a screenplay, and the "reel" world of the fictional film. The musical is an homage to the film noir genre of motion pictures that rose to prominence in the 1940s.*Most characters play dual roles.

This production will be presented at Kelsey Theatre on the West Windsor campus of Mercer County Community College. The show will require 18-24 actors, many will play dual roles. There will be some light choreography. The production will be directed by John M. Maurer, Musically Directed by Peter de Mets, Choreographed by Jane Coult. Stage Management by Beverly Kuo-Hamilton, Costumes by Anthony Remer.

AUDITION Signup Open Now!

You can now upload your resume and headshot, as well as any additional information you feel would be appropriate and helpful, into the MPOnStage Cast Me 1-2-3 system. This can save you the time and expense of downloading and filling out forms, having headshots printed, and copying resumes. The only thing you will have to bring with you once you have created your profile on the Cast Me system is your audition form and the calendar for your conflicts during the rehearsal/run period.

Monday, December 28, 2015

The Barn Theatre in Montville, New Jersey continues its 88th Season by holding open auditions on Sunday January 17th and Monday January 18th for its upcoming production of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof”, written by Tennessee Williams.“Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” will be directed by Roseann Ruggiero.

SHOW DESCRIPTION: The story of a Southern family in crisis, especially the husband Brick and wife Maggie, and their interaction with Brick's family at a gathering on the family estate to celebrate the birthday of patriarch Big Daddy and his clean bill of health. All except Big Daddy and Big Mama are aware of Big Daddy's true fatal diagnosis. Throughout the course of the play, it becomes clear that the family has long constructed a web of mendacity.

CAST REQUIREMENTS: Margaret (Maggie) – must play mid 20s - 30s – married up and tense as a cat

Brick – male – must play mid 20s – 30s – former athlete golden boy filling the hole in his soul with alcohol

Big Daddy – must play late 60s – 70s - bombastic Southern plantation owner and patriarch of the family

Big Mama – must play 60s-70s – typical southern mama

Gooper, sometimes called Brother Man – must play 30s-40s - typical “other” son

Actors are asked to arrive to sign in within the first hour of the audition start time. All roles are available. Casting is open, and newcomers are especially welcomed. Crew and other volunteers are also needed for the event. If interested, please contact info@barntheatre.org

The Barn Theatre is located at 32 Skyline Drive in Montville, NJ, just minutes off Route 287 (Exit 47). For more information or directions, call 973-334-9320 ext. 5, or visit www.barntheatre.org

Midtown Direct Rep (MDR) continues its 2015-16 Theater in the Loft series at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) with a staged reading of Evanston: A Rare Comedy, written by Michael Yates Crowley. This reading, directed by Michael Rau, will be performed for one night only on Sunday, January 10, 2016 at 7pm at SOPAC (One Sopac Way, South Orange, NJ, 07079). The reading is $15 and open to the public. Tickets can be purchased at www.sopacnow.org or by calling 973-313-ARTS (2787).

Evanston: A Rare Comedy begins with the disappearance of a teenage girl in deepest suburbia and ends when a meeting of the local Women’s Book Club goes horribly awry. In between, a housewife dreams of Mexico, an economics professor has an affair with a check-out clerk at Whole Foods, and the financial crisis rages on. Inspired by the words of Psalm 137 and the best-seller “Eat, Pray, Love,” Evanston: A Rare Comedy takes a look at Middle America and asks: how can we sing a song of joy in this strange land?

About playwright Michael Yates Crowley

Michael Yates Crowley is a Brooklyn-based playwright and performer whose work has been produced in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Berlin, Edinburgh, and elsewhere. His plays include Song of a Convalescent Ayn Rand Giving Thanks to the Godhead (premiering at A.R.T. in Oct. 2015); temping (53rd New York Film Festival/Convergence); Evanston: A Rare Comedy (2013 O’Neill NPC selection, 2015 Alliance/Kendeda Finalist); The Rape of the Sabine Women, by Grace B. Matthias (UMASS New Play Lab 2015); and The Ted Haggard Monologues (published by S. Fischer Verlag; filmed by HBO). In New York, his work has been seen at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub/The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, Rattlestick, 59E59 Theaters, PS 122, the Bushwick Starr, and Ars Nova. He is a Writing Fellow at The Playwrights Realm, a NYFA Playwriting fellow, a past member of the Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab, and graduate of the Lila Acheson Wallace Playwrights Program at Juilliard. Together with the director Michael Rau, he founded the theater company Wolf 359.

About Theater in the Loft

Midtown Direct Rep’s Theater in the Loft is a series of readings of new plays and musicals in development presented on Sunday evenings in the Loft at South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC). With a cash bar and lively post-show discussions with the cast and creative team, Theater in the Loft readings foster a fun and collaborative environment to be a part of the development of vital new works. Many of the shows presented through Theater in the Loft have gone on to major productions off-Broadway, in regional theaters, and beyond. The series focuses on scripts that reflect the complexities of a uniquely diverse community that can be cast significantly from the MDR ensemble.

About Midtown Direct Rep

Midtown Direct Rep (MDR) is a professional, ensemble-based theater company in residence at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in South Orange, NJ. The company includes over 100 working Broadway actors and theater professionals who call South Orange and Maplewood home. Midtown Direct Rep is dedicated to developing and presenting new plays and musicals through its Theater in the Loft series, focusing on work that reflects our uniquely diverse community. Midtown Direct Rep is also the local presenter of the hugely successful annual event Listen to Your Mother: North Jersey, which showcases local writers and performers each year around Mother’s Day. Company members include two-time Tony Award-winner Norbert Leo Butz, Tony Award-winner Michele Pawk, Tony Award-nominees Stephanie J. Block, Megan Lawrence, and Christiane Noll, plus Sebastian Arcelus, Joel de la Fuente, Bradley Dean, and many others. Guest actors have included James McDonald, Michelle Hurst, Geoffrey Arend, and Academy Award®-winner Olympia Dukakis. Recent projects include work by John Walch, Y York, Jack Canfora, Peter Flaherty, Jeremy Desmon, Chad Hardin, James Hindman, Chisa Hutchison, David Johnson, Kara Lee Korthron, David Myers, Sandy Rustin, Douglas J. Cohen, Zoe Samuel, and others. The Company is led by Managing Director Aliza Wassner, Artistic Producer Steven Tabakin, Literary Manager Marni Raab, and Artistic Advisor Sandy Rustin. For more information, visit http://www.middirrep.org.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/ Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts and administered by the Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

Remember the Power of New Jersey Theatre When Making Your Year-End Gifts

The people of New Jersey are fortunate to have a wide selection of exceptional theatres giving powerful expression to the human story. And our state's professional theatres are fortunate to have New Jersey Theatre Alliance, a service organization whose mission is to unite, promote, strengthen, and cultivate the state’s non-profit, professional theatres.

If you have already given to the Alliance this year, thank you very much! If not, would you please show your support of our work and of NJ professional theatre as a whole by making a tax-deductible gift today?

Your gift goes directly to programs that benefit our 33 member theatres, raising the visibility of the State’s diverse theatre community, building theatre audiences, offering tech equipment and support, and supplying expert advice on a broad spectrum of management and organizational issues.